John Bolton: Putin ‘will come back’ to finish the invasion | LBC

John Bolton, the former National Security Advisor to President Donald Trump, has been vocal about the ongoing threat posed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and his ambitions to expand Russia’s territorial influence. Bolton’s warnings have focused on the idea that Putin’s current invasion of Ukraine is far from over, and that he "will come back" to finish what he started.

Putin's Long-Term Goals

Bolton has consistently argued that Putin views the collapse of the Soviet Union as a major geopolitical setback and has long-term plans to reclaim former Soviet territories. Bolton has repeatedly said that Ukraine is not just a target of the current conflict but part of a broader strategy to reassert Russian control over countries that were once part of the Soviet Union. In various interviews, Bolton has stated that Putin sees the Ukrainian war as part of a larger project of regional dominance.

Implications for Ukraine and Beyond

Bolton’s warning that "Putin will come back" suggests that the current invasion of Ukraine could be only one phase in a much larger Russian strategy. He has expressed concerns that Putin will continue his efforts to destabilize Ukraine, even if the current military conflict doesn't end in a clear victory for Russia. Bolton has pointed out that Putin’s ultimate goal is not limited to Ukraine but also includes other countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, such as Georgia, Moldova, and potentially even parts of the Baltics.

Bolton's Critique of the Trump Administration

As someone who served in the Trump administration, Bolton has been critical of President Trump’s approach to Russia. Bolton believes that Trump was overly accommodating to Putin, often sidelining strategic and geopolitical concerns in favor of personal admiration for the Russian leader. According to Bolton, Trump’s soft stance toward Putin emboldened him and allowed for the erosion of international norms, ultimately leading to Putin’s aggression toward Ukraine.

What Comes Next?

Bolton’s remarks about Putin’s long-term intentions reflect a broader concern about the future of Europe’s security and the potential for a prolonged conflict. Bolton has suggested that the West needs to be prepared for a long and difficult struggle with Russia and that simply defending Ukraine is not enough. A comprehensive strategy to counter Russian aggression and support the sovereignty of neighboring countries is, according to Bolton, essential to prevent further instability.

In Bolton’s view, the invasion of Ukraine is part of a pattern of Russian behavior that could escalate unless decisive action is taken. He continues to advocate for strong military support to Ukraine and increased sanctions on Russia to curb Putin’s ambitions.

Ultimately, Bolton's message is clear: Putin’s invasion of Ukraine may not be the end of his plans but merely a step toward larger geopolitical goals. The West, according to Bolton, must prepare for the possibility that Putin will “come back” and continue his efforts to reshape the region according to Russia’s interests.